Podcasts are distributed using an RSS feed provided by the program or its hosting company (Omny, Libsyn, Podbean, etc.).

If a show:

• Changes hosting providers
• Creates a new RSS feed
• Migrates platforms
• Stops updating the original feed
• Forgets to notify directories

Then the public ecosystem may still point to the old feed.

It’s also important to note:

In a small number of cases, programs simply stop producing on-demand content or discontinue podcast distribution altogether. When that happens, there is no new content to ingest — and the existing feed may remain static or eventually expire.

When feeds are outdated or inactive, any platform pulling from that directory (including Godcaster) will reflect the same status.

Godcaster does not create or edit a program’s RSS feed — we ingest the feed that is publicly available and indexed.

The podcast ecosystem functions like a public library catalog:

• Programs publish an RSS feed
• Directories index that feed
• Platforms pull from those directories

Major directories include:

• Podcast Index
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google Podcasts (legacy feeds may still circulate in the ecosystem)

Godcaster primarily references the open ecosystem model led by Podcast Index. The  Index is an award-winning, open and decentralized podcast directory co-founded by Godcaster partners Adam Curry and Dave Jones, widely recognized as the leading independent alternative to Apple Podcasts and a foundational force behind the Podcasting 2.0 movement.

If a feed is outdated in Podcast Index or Apple Podcasts, it will likely be outdated everywhere.

In other words:

Godcaster reflects what the ecosystem provides. We do not override or replace a program’s published RSS feed without direction from the content owner.

The responsibility for RSS accuracy always belongs to the program or its distributor.

That includes:

• The ministry
• The program’s network
• Their hosting provider
• Their podcast agency

If a program changes hosting platforms, it must:

1. Update its RSS feed at the source
2. Redirect the old feed (301 redirect)
3. Notify major directories

If this is not done, platforms across the ecosystem will continue pointing to the old feed.

Godcaster cannot independently guess or replace a program’s official feed.

If you notice a feed appears outdated:

• Reach out directly to the program or network
• Ask for their current, official RSS feed URL
• Confirm that their directories (Podcast Index / Apple Podcasts) reflect the updated feed
• Send the confirmed RSS link to Godcaster Support

Often, programs are unaware that an old feed is still circulating.

Stations advocating for updated feeds:

• Protect listener experience
• Strengthen the digital ecosystem
• Ensure their digital station reflects current content
• Prevent stale or inactive feeds from undermining credibility

Your digital station is only as accurate as the feeds provided by the programs you carry.

Encouraging ministries to maintain:

• Clean RSS feeds
• Proper redirects
• Updated directory listings
• Clear communication when discontinuing podcasts

Protects your listener experience and preserves digital credibility.

Start with the program.
Confirm the feed.
Then loop in Godcaster if needed.